Overview
Two fraternity members and a sorority at Dartmouth College face charges following the July death of Won Jang, a 20-year-old student whose body was found in the Connecticut River. The charges stem from allegations of underage alcohol distribution and unsafe conditions at an off-campus party.
Jang’s death has raised concerns about underage drinking, off-campus activities, and student safety at one of the nation’s leading Ivy League institutions.
Timeline of Events Leading to Jang’s Death
The Party
On July 6, Jang attended a party at an off-campus apartment rented by several members of the Alpha Phi sorority, according to Hanover police. Alcohol was provided at the event, including to attendees under the age of 21. Members of Beta Alpha Omega, a fraternity Jang was part of, were reportedly involved in supplying the alcohol.
Decision to Swim
Later that evening, party attendees made an impromptu decision to swim in the Connecticut River, located near Dartmouth’s campus. Heavy rainfall began during the activity, causing groups of swimmers to leave the river hurriedly.
At some point, Jang, who was unable to swim, became separated from the group. According to police, no one noticed his absence at the time.
Search and Recovery Efforts
Jang was reported missing on July 7 when he failed to attend a scheduled appointment. Emergency services, including local and state agencies, responded to reports of a missing person near the river docks west of the Dartmouth campus.
Using specialized equipment, authorities recovered Jang’s body about 65 feet offshore that evening. Evidence was found near the riverbank, and witness accounts suggested that Jang had not left the river area after the party.
Cause of Death
An autopsy conducted by the New Hampshire Chief Medical Examiner’s Office determined Jang’s cause of death as drowning. His blood alcohol concentration was 0.167, more than double the legal limit for drivers over the age of 21 in New Hampshire.
This level of intoxication likely impaired his judgment and coordination, contributing to the tragic outcome.
Charges Filed Against Individuals and Organizations
Following an investigation, authorities charged two Beta Alpha Omega fraternity members and the Alpha Phi sorority with offenses related to underage drinking:
Matthew Catrambone and Samuel Terry: Both fraternity members were charged with providing alcohol to a person under 21.
Alpha Phi Sorority: The organization was charged with facilitating an underage alcohol house.
These charges, categorized as misdemeanors, reflect the alleged role of alcohol in the events that led to Jang’s death.
Investigation Findings
Initially, investigators explored whether college hazing rituals were involved in the incident. However, they found no direct evidence of hazing. Instead, the focus shifted to the unsafe conditions at the party and the decision to provide alcohol to minors. Authorities emphasized that Jang’s inability to swim, combined with his intoxicated state, created a hazardous situation that ultimately led to his death.
Community and Institutional Response
The tragedy has sparked discussions about the culture of drinking and safety at Dartmouth College. The incident highlights ongoing issues surrounding unsanctioned off-campus events and underage drinking, which are common concerns at many universities.
Dartmouth College has not yet publicly commented on the charges or announced specific measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Next Steps
Legal proceedings for the individuals and organizations involved are scheduled to take place at Lebanon District Court. This case has underscored the need for stricter enforcement of alcohol policies and a renewed focus on student safety at social events. As the community processes this loss, the outcomes of these charges may set a precedent for handling similar incidents in the future.
Bottom Line
The death of Won Jang serves as a tragic reminder of the dangers of underage drinking and unsupervised social gatherings. As legal accountability unfolds, Dartmouth faces pressure to address systemic issues and ensure student safety moving forward.
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